Iowa beekeepers emerge from winter with dead bees

WHO reported that since honeybees pollinate “everything from spring apple blossoms to winter squash,” the population decrease could impact farmers’ markets, and more obviously beekeepers’ bank accounts.

Iowa’s apiarist Andy Joseph said between 65 and 70 percent of the bee colonies have been lost.

To make up for lost bees, beekeepers will have to replace them, meaning they’ll have to be brought in from other states.

To help boost the struggling industry, Joseph suggested buying locally.

“Buy those products from local beekeepers,” suggests Joseph, ”support farmers’ markets and local products on store shelves.”